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Silver Lake Council authorizes engineering, funding applications for Silver Lake Boulevard reconstruction
Summary
Council approved creation of a reconstruction fund, authorized OHM Advisors to prepare an OPWC application and approved purchase orders for engineering work as the village advances a multi‑million‑dollar plan to replace sewers and water main on Silver Lake Boulevard.
Vice President Phil Kaplan and Council on July 21 authorized steps to advance a planned reconstruction of Silver Lake Boulevard that officials say will replace storm and sanitary sewers and the village water main.
Council adopted Ordinance No. 55‑2025 to create a Storm, Sanitary & Water Reconstruction Fund and Ordinance No. 56‑2025 authorizing OHM Advisors, Inc. to prepare and submit an application to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) so the village can pursue grant and loan funding for the project. Clerk‑Treasurer Sean M. Housley told Council lenders typically require project funds to be segregated, and said the intended source for seeding the fund is a zero‑percent design loan rather than utility revenue. Both ordinances passed by roll call, 6–0.
Engineer Jason Popiel said surveying on Silver Lake Boulevard has begun and noted the OPWC application deadline is Sept. 12, 2025. A fact sheet distributed at the meeting estimates total project costs at roughly $5.32 million, with design fees listed at $406,400 and construction currently estimated at about $4.55 million. The fact sheet lists a multi‑source funding strategy that includes OPWC loans/grants, an EPA DEFA construction loan, USACE and CDS grants and a Summit County contribution; the design schedule on the sheet runs July 2025–March 2026 with construction targeted for summer 2026 if funding is secured.
Council also approved Ordinance No. 57‑2025 to execute purchase orders, including work for OHM Advisors on the design phase. Council members discussed that purchase orders reserve funds and do not necessarily obligate payment for the full listed amount.
Kaplan asked that the minutes record his intent that shovel‑ready projects receive the highest score when competing for grant funding; the minutes were held for later review of the recording to ensure the request is accurately reflected.
The engineering fact sheet and project report note that the project will replace laterals and services to properties along the boulevard and that additional grants (H2Ohio, CDS) and loans are being pursued. Engineer Popiel said he will follow up with vendors and funding sources, and that a preconstruction meeting for a related Harriett Road project is scheduled for July 24, 2025.
Next steps: staff will complete the OPWC application and pursue the listed funding sources; Council has directed staff to return with any additional documentation needed for formal contracts or loan agreements.
